Learn how to say “hello” in Polish, Urdu, Swahili, and more with TEL!

By Andrea Zielke

Did you know that everyone in the state of Tennessee has access to a language learning program that includes more than 100 different languages? Through the Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL), you can sign up for a free Transparent Language Online account and start learning a new language! Not only can you take lessons in French, Spanish and Chinese, but you can also learn languages that are less commonly taught like Balinese and Denesuline. There is even an Introduction to Latin Vocabulary and Introduction to Latin Grammar that are similar in content as a first-year Latin course.

Did you know you could take an American Citizenship Test Prep course through TEL? Created with the input of ESL professionals and public librarians, Transparent Language Online’s American Citizenship Test Prep course is designed with the goal of preparing test takers to comfortably answer all 100 civics questions. More than that, the course is intended to truly teach learners about the American government, history, and culture, including key vocabulary words.

Transparent Language Online is always adding new lessons including Advanced Conversations in English. These courses are the most advanced materials among our English offerings. They were created for high-intermediate to advanced English learners—both students and professionals—who are interested in business and medical topics and want to work with more complex texts, speech patterns, and cultural nuances. Advanced Conversations in English contains 16 hours of study (16 topical units) covering three main topics: medical, finance, and sales and marketing.

Transparent Language Online also has lessons for kids! There are 6 courses for children to start learning new languages! Kids can start learning Spanish, French, German, English, Chinese and Italian. Designed for ages 6 and up, the program teaches words and phrases suitable for learners’ age, needs, and interests. More than 40 activities, puzzles, and songs guide learners through the basics, along with a cartoon “friend” who speaks the language. Here is how to access the KidSpeak languages.

How do I start using Transparent Language Online? Go to Transparent Language Online on TEL to start learning a new language! Sign up for a free account. Start practicing from your phone, computer or tablet today!

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is a division of the Office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett

Meet the Staff - Kevin Cason

Meet Kevin Cason. He is an Archivist in Public Services.

How long have you worked here?

I started working at the Tennessee State Library and Archives in September of 2014.

What are some of the things you do as an Archivist in Public Services?

As a member of the Public Services department, my main duties are to help researchers and genealogists who come to do research at the Library and Archives. I primarily work in the manuscripts area and help provide access for patrons to view original primary source materials such as maps, photographs, family papers, Supreme Court cases, and state agency records. In addition to guiding researchers, I respond to reference requests that come to the Library and Archives by e-mail and mail. I also work on a variety of projects such as preparing research guides and tools for patrons, doing metadata assignments, and serving on the Collections Development Committee.

What is your favorite part of your job?

One of my favorite parts of my job is having the opportunity to work with the public and help them with their research. It is often a rewarding experience to be able to find resources such as land records, family papers or Supreme Court cases that relate to someone’s genealogy. Seeing the excitement and appreciation of a patron when they find something in the records that is useful is very meaningful for me. Similarly, when I help locate manuscript materials or state agency records that pertain to a historical researcher’s interests, I have a sense of satisfaction in knowing that I aided in guiding the researcher in the right direction.

Do you have a favorite collection?

While there are many exciting items that can be seen in the manuscripts collections, I have always been fascinated with visual resources such as photographs, advertisements, and postcards. It is interesting to be able to see photographs from manuscript collections such as the Department of Conservation Photograph Collection that visually document a significant historic site and landscape. It is also fascinating to see the architectural designs of buildings in places such as Nashville during the 1900s that are part of the Library Photograph Collection. Similarly, advertisements like the Broadside Collection are exciting to see because they often show how something was promoted during a certain era or they reveal the clever marketing designs of the creator. Postcards such as the Tennessee Postcard Collection are also appealing to me because the creators use colorful designs, beautiful scenery and different fonts to capture the attention of the viewer and encourage the person to visit the tourist destination.

What makes libraries and archives relevant to modern society?

I think it is important to have cultural institutions where people can go to learn, do research, and obtain help from professional librarians and archivists. In a world that is increasingly becoming digital, I think there is still a valuable need in society to have scholarly books that enlighten, inspire and inform readers and researchers. In addition, I think it is important to have repositories that preserve the historical memory of our past. It is essential to recognize that the records we create provide evidence of our activities and they have enduring value. For example, vital records such as birth, death or marriage records were created originally to document a certain event in a person’s life. However, genealogists can use them now to learn about their family roots from long ago. Similarly, manuscript related items like photographs, diaries, letters and court cases may have been simply created to document an event, but historians can now use them to understand the past better.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is a division of the Office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett

Library and Archives Hosts Free How-to Workshop on Using Historical Newspapers for Research

Newspapers are some of the most valuable resources for piecing together history. On Jan. 26 the Tennessee State Library and Archives is hosting a free workshop with tips and tricks to make your newspaper research more fruitful.

Attendees will watch Old News is Good News: Using Historical Newspapers for Your Research presented by Genealogist Taneya Koonce, MLS, MPH. Koonce is an avid genealogist with more than 18 years of professional experience in information organization and management. Koonce is also the State Coordinator of the TNGenWeb Project, is a Board Member of the Middle Tennessee Genealogical Society, and is President-elect of the Nashville Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society.

“The Tennessee State Library and Archives has one of the largest collection of Tennessee newspapers in the country,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I’m glad this workshop will highlight the newspaper collections and records available to the public and teach how to use them most effectively. There is a vast amount of information waiting to be re-discovered.”

Koonce will navigate attendees through the benefits of using historical newspapers and highlight strategies to make the newspaper research process even more successful. Improve your skills, speed, and accuracy when searching newspaper collections and learn more about the print, microfilm, and digitized formats available through the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

The workshop will be held 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, in the Library and Archives auditorium. The Library and Archives is located at 403 Seventh Ave. N. Free parking is available around the Library and Archives building.

Although the presentation is free and open to the public, registration is required due to seating limitations in the auditorium. To reserve seats, please visit newspaperresearch.eventbrite.com.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is a division of the Office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett

Meet the Staff - Jessica Opalinski

Meet Jessica Opalinski. She is a Micrographics Technician with Preservation and Digitization.

How long have you worked here?

I started in June 2016 as a micrographics imaging processor. (It took me several months to memorize that job title!) In August of 2018 I moved into the micrographics technician position. What are some of the things you do as a Micrographics Technician?

Our section of the preservation department is focused primarily on managing the microfilm collection. We process raw film that the microfilmers shoot, make duplicate copies for orders, and store the original reels in the vault. We work with public services to ensure their microfilm collection is up-to-date and available to patrons.

Recently our department acquired two digital cameras for filming documents. We can keep the images as digital files or convert them to microfilm. My time has been split between the physical process of processing and quality checking microfilm, and transitioning projects onto the new cameras. It’s quite a change from the old microfilm cameras, but it gives us much more control over the quality of the final product.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I enjoy seeing the final results of the images I’ve taken. It’s so fascinating to watch the images suddenly appear as the film runs through the processor. I particularly like when we have to film unusual items. One time we had to film a car key as part of the governor’s papers!

Do you have a favorite collection?

I love the Grassmere Collection. As a huge fan of the Nashville Zoo, I was excited when this collection was first put together to explore the history of the five generations that lived at the Grassmere Farm and how the land eventually became the zoo as we know it today. The family’s connections and travels in Cuba were something I’d never heard of before and added an interesting layer to their history. It’s a great collection to look through if you love animal photos!

What makes libraries and archives relevant to modern society?

Before I started working here, I didn’t realize how much valuable information we record and store! From vital records such as birth certificates and marriage records to political documents and key information about Tennessee history, this building is a treasure trove of knowledge. It allows people to research their genealogy and discover parts of their family history they may have been unaware of. Often we don’t realize just how important a record is until someone needs it. And with so much data available, our staff is crucial for sorting through it and helping to make sense of it all.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is a division of the Office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett

How to use TEL to improve Health and Wellness in 2019!

By Andrea Zielke

Making a resolution for the New Year? Want to start off 2019 with improved health and wellness? There are many resources on Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) that can help you find vetted, reliable health information. Even better, these resources are free for Tennesseans! Of course, no online database should take the place of expert advice from a qualified physician. These resources can help to prepare you to have informed conversations with your health care provider. There is no such thing as too much information when it comes to health and wellness!

Health and Wellness Resource Center

One of TEL’s most popular resources is the Health and Wellness Resource Center. The Health and Wellness Resource Center provides authoritative information on a full range of health-related issues, from current disease and disorder information to in-depth coverage of alternative and complementary medical practices. Inside you’ll have access to full-text medical journals, magazines, reference works, multimedia, and much more! One of the best features of this database is that Gale publishes their information in plain, easy-to-understand language!

MedLine Plus

Another great, free resource that provides information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues is MedLine Plus. MedLine Plus is a free, public online source provided by the National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus offers health information in non-technical, understandable language. You can easily look up prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbs and supplements. Find out why your doctor orders various laboratory tests and what the results may mean. You can even watch surgical videos so you are fully prepared for any surgical procedures. You do not need to be a health professional to use MedlinePlus, although it is used by many health providers.

Health Reference Center Academic

If you are looking for the latest information published in peer reviewed journals, you may want to check out Health Reference Center Academic. This database provides up-to-date information on the complete range of health care topics for students, consumer health researchers, and health care professionals. Health Reference Center Academic includes full-text periodicals, reference books, pamphlets, and hundreds of videos demonstrating medical procedures and live surgeries to ensure that researchers get current, scholarly, comprehensive answers to health-related questions.

These are just a few of the databases on TEL, don’t forget to check out the other Health resources available at https://tntel.info/general-public/health.

The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State

Meet the Staff - Ellen Robison

Meet Ellen Robison. She is an Archival Assistant with Archival Technical Services.

How long have you worked here?

A: I was originally hired in the Public Services department in January 2016 and transferred to my current role in October 2017.

What are some of the things you do as an archival assistant?

A: There are 3 main parts to my job. I process collections by cleaning, researching, and organizing the materials to make them accessible to the public. I also serve on the rotation of designated staff who fulfill the requests of the public to view original materials kept in locked storage. Additionally, when the state legislature is in session each year, I am one of the recorders we send to record the House and Senate committee meetings and floor sessions.

What is your favorite part of your job?

A: I love how much I learn. Whether I’m researching the history of a family or event for a collection or recording a legislative meeting, there is always something new and interesting to learn about Tennessee, her past, and her people.

Do you have a favorite collection?

A: Picking a single favorite collection is difficult but I would have to say the World War II Veteran Survey collection (https://sos.tn.gov/products/tsla/world-war-ii-veterans-survey-1996). This record group is comprised of over 6,000 surveys of men and women from all walks of life who served during the Second World War. Many veterans, or their family members, submitted supplemental materials such as photographs or personal accounts along with their questionnaires. It is a treasure trove of individual legacies and provides a unique perspective on the war.

What makes libraries and archives relevant to modern society?

A: Preserving our society’s past is a vital part of society’s development. One of the best ways to improve our future is by studying our past, uncovering our failures as well as our successes, and applying that knowledge as we move forward. By understanding the foundations of our society, we can work to improve it for future generations. Libraries and archives ensure that future generations will be able to do the same.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is a division of the Office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett

Genealogy Resources available through TEL and beyond!

By Andrea Zielke

Maybe it is the time of the season, the shorter days or just my age but I’ve become more interested in learning about my family tree. I’m from Wisconsin but now a Tennessee resident so I’ve had search for new resources available from my new home state. Through the Tennessee Electronic Library and the Tennessee State Library and Archives, there are a number of free resources available to Tennesseans who want to learn more about their family history. 

HeritageQuest Online 

Beginner and professional genealogists can use HeritageQuest Online to trace family histories and American culture from the comfort of their home. This resource includes the digitized U.S. Federal Censuses from 1790 through 1940, genealogy and local history books, Revolutionary War records, Freedman’s Bank Records, and U.S. Congressional Serial Set records.

HeritageQuest Online can be used to answer questions including:

• Where did my family live in the United States between 1790 and 1940?
• Where can I find information about my African American ancestors?
• Some of my ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War. What records are available?
• I am writing a story set in Knoxville, TN in 1930. How can I find information about the families and businesses found there during that time?
• How did county boundaries appear when each census was taken?

Tennessee Records on Ancestry.com 

In my initial family search, I have found some ancestors that lived and died in Tennessee. In partnership with Ancestry.com, the Tennessee State Library and Archives provides access to several important collections of Tennessee records. 

• Tennessee, Delayed Birth Records, 1869-1909
• Tennessee, Death Records, 1908-1958
• Tennessee, City Birth Records, 1881-1915
• North Carolina and Tennessee, Early Land Records, 1753-1931
• Tennessee, Early Tax List Records, 1783-1895
• Tennessee, Enumeration of Male Voters, 1891
• North Carolina and Tennessee, Revolutionary War Land Warrants, 1783-1843
• Tennessee, Early Land Registers, 1778-1927
• Tennessee, City Death Records, 1872-1923
• Tennessee, Wills and Probate Records, 1779-2008
• Web: Tennessee, Supreme Court Case Index, 1809-1950

The Tennessean

While searching the Tennessean, I have found that some of my ancestors that have made news! Through TEL, Tennesseans can now search the full archive of the newspaper back to 1812. Full scans of each page of the paper are available to search including the articles, wedding announcements, death notices, ads and classifieds. I even found Minnie Pearl’s engagement announcement!

If you are from a smaller town and your ancestors did not make Nashville news, there are other resources available to search online.  Chronicling America, a project of the Library of Congress, has digitized 125 Tennessee newspapers (1690-present) that are available to the public.

Additional resources

Beyond just newspapers, the Tennessee Virtual Archive (TeVA) is a digital repository of Tennessee history and culture featuring historical records, photographs, documents, maps, postcards, film, audio and other original materials of enduring value.  TeVA contains a subset of the Library & Archives materials and is updated monthly with new content. Plus, it is free and available to everyone!

The Tennessee State Library and Archives also provides indexes to some collections and county genealogical fact sheets. Although the indexes do not provide access to the records themselves, you can submit order forms, request materials through interlibrary loan, or plan a visit to the Tennessee State Library and Archives to dig into the collections!

• Online indexes 
• County genealogical fact sheets 

If you cannot find a digitized version of what you are looking for, the Tennessee State Library and Archives have amazing staff that can help aid you on your search. If you can’t come to the library in person, you can call, email, or even chat live with a librarian if you have questions!

Don’t forget to check out what resources are available at your local public library or local archive.  Many libraries and archives have additional genealogy resources about their community. 

Editor's Note: The author is grateful for research and editorial assistance provided by Library and Archives staff members Trent Hanner, Allison Griffey, Jennifer Randles, and Lisa Walker

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is a division of the Office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett